Carteret Announces Park Improvement Projects

CARTERET – Mayor Dan Reiman and Parks Commissioner Vinnie Bellino have announced that $326,504 in local open space funding has been earmarked for enhancements at Cornell Park and Andrews (“Chrome”) Park. Both improvement projects are slated to begin before the end of the year.

Reiman said, “the Council and I have been determined to address the needs of all of Carteret’s parks, which means making upgrades and enhancements that reflect the evolving needs and interests of our residents. I’m glad to see changes being made that will last for generations.”

“There’s a lot more to our system of parks than meets the eye,” added Bellino, who is also a member of the Borough Council. “I’m thrilled we’re making improvements that have really been needed, and that we will continue to offer our residents and visitors as well-rounded a parks and recreation system as possible.”

Cornell Park will be receiving two new high-school regulation, acrylic-coated basketball courts that will replace existing deteriorated playing surfaces. Improvements will also include striping and goal equipment for four “short” courts allowing for additional gameplay.

The portion of Germak Drive on the northern side of Cornell Park will be reconstructed to accommodate head-on parking spaces, while Orchard Street will be striped for parallel parking, creating a total of 26 new spaces for park visitors. Park accessibility will be improved with the reconstruction of curb cut ramps, meeting current ADA standards.

The three existing courts at Andrews Park will be milled and reconstructed with an acrylic coated sports surface. The existing equipment, which is in good condition, will be maintained for continued use in the park.